Admissions

Applications are accepted each summer/fall season, and should be sent directly to the Antiochion House of Studies:

385 Ivy Lane, Bergenfield, NJ 07621

Applicants are encouraged to begin gathering materials (such as transcripts and letters of recommendation) early, especially if they have completed their high school, undergraduate, or graduate degrees many years ago and/or live outside of the U.S.

St. Stephen’s Certificate Program

Applicants for the Certificate Program must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and be in good standing in an Orthodox Christian parish or in another Christian community.

Students who are undecided may apply directly to the St. Stephen Certificate program, and then apply for the M. A. program upon completion of the Certificate.

Required Materials:

The completed application form

A recent full-face photograph

A brief autobiography with an emphasis on church activities

A statement of your reason for applying for the program

(Laymen) A letter from your pastor, recommending you to the program (Clergy) A letter from your bishop or pertinent ecclesiastical authority.

A non-refundable application fee of fifty dollars (US $50.00) by check or money order, payable to “The Antiochian Archdiocese” designated for “Antiochian House of Studies”

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MAPC) program must hold an accredited Bachelor's Degree and be in good standing in their church community. They must also be active in the work of counseling, or have that immediate potential, in order to complete the certified pastoral counselor practicum.

All potential students must set up an interview with the MAPC program staff before making an application.

Applicants for the Doctor of Ministry Program must have advanced degrees in ministry (usually an M. Div), and be in good standing in their church.

Accredited through the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the ministry program offers working ministers a chance to deepen their knowledge and widen their impact by earning a doctoral degree. This program is open to those who have already been serving for at least two years in full-time ministry. The D. Min. program consists of coursework taken on site in ministry, ecclesiology, canon law, homiletics, spirituality and pastoral care.

Applicants for the Pastoral Care Program must be ordained priests, deacons, or bishops, and be in good standing in their church.

The Pastoral Care program aims to enhance the ministry of men and women currently serving in parishes. This two-year program is available to Orthodox or non-Orthodox clergy and staff, and provides training in counseling married couples, families, and individuals.

Typical pastoral care students have a Master of Divinity (or a St. Stephen’s Certificate) and have at least three years of experience as clergy, chaplains, Christian educators, or counselors.